Buying Handpan Online: 5 Deadly Mistakes

Buying your first handpan? 
Picking your first handpan is like entering a new musical universe—magical, emotional, and sometimes, confusing. Between the mesmerizing sounds and eye-catching designs, it’s easy to make the wrong choice. This guide breaks down five deadly mistakes beginners make when buying a handpan and how to avoid them like a pro. 6 Top Tips to buying a pro handpan

Introduction: So You’ve Fallen in Love with the Handpan…

Can’t stop watching handpan videos? Totally normal. That enchanting UFO-like instrument has captured your heart—and now you're ready to buy your very first one. But hold up! As dreamy as the journey is, stepping into the world of handpans without the right knowledge is like walking blindfolded through a maze of shiny distractions and sketchy sellers.

In this guide, we’ll break down five of the most common (and dangerous) mistakes beginners make when choosing their first handpan—and how you can steer clear of them. Plus, we’ll talk about the truth behind those glittery models and why the real gems are much deeper than what meets the eye.

Let’s dive in.

1. Chasing the Cheapest Deal

“I found a handpan for $00 online—what a steal!”

Spoiler alert: it’s probably trash. Handpans aren’t mass-produced plastic flutes—they're carefully tuned steel sculptures that demand serious craftsmanship.

Why It’s a Deadly Mistake:

• Cheap instruments are often poorly tuned.

• They may sound decent at first, but go out of tune quickly.

• You’ll end up paying more for repairs or replacing it entirely.

👉 Pro Tip: Our(Pures Music) good handpans typically start around $900–$1,500 (The quality is equivalent to some sellers' $1500-$2000). 👉 Buy Professional Handpans. If that’s above your budget, consider renting one or starting with a high-quality tongue drum instead.

2. Falling for the Flash: Pretty Colors ≠ Quality Sound

We get it. A rainbow-hued, galaxy-swirled handpan looks like it belongs in a sci-fi art gallery. Some brands flood the market with “limited edition” colors and themed series designed to catch your eye. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with wanting something beautiful—but don’t let aesthetics fool you.

Here’s the Real Tea:

True, high-quality handpans are like collectible antiques—deep, soulful, and often simple in appearance. It’s their sound and resonance that make them magical, not just their shine.

The best instruments?

• Often come in matte or raw finishes.

• Focus on harmonic precision over paint jobs.

• Are made by artisans who care more about acoustics.

🎯 Remember: You’re buying a musical instrument, . Choose depth over dazzle.

3. Ignoring the Scale and Your Musical Goals

Not all handpans are created equal—especially when it comes to scales. You could end up with a gorgeous handpan that just doesn’t speak to your soul.

What to Know:

Handpans come in various scales—D Celtic, Kurd, Hijaz, and many more. Some sound dreamy and meditative; others are more playful or even dark and exotic.

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to play calming music for meditation?

• Are you planning to play with other musicians?

• Do you want versatility or a specific mood?

🤔 Tip: Start with a common and beginner-friendly scale like D Minor Celtic or D Kurd. These scales offer a wide range of expression and are easy to harmonize with.

5. Tuning Services

Even the best handpan may need tuning after months or years of playing, travel, or temperature shifts. And guess what? Not every maker offers post-sale support.

Why This Matters:

• Retuning services keep your handpan sounding beautiful for years.

• Good makers offer support or referrals to trusted tuners.
  

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Ears, Not Just Your Eyes

Choosing your first handpan is a big step—and one you’ll never forget. But don’t let fancy colors or flashy marketing distract you from what really matters: the sound, the soul, and the story behind the steel.

Be patient. Do your homework. And most importantly—listen. A great handpan doesn’t just make noise; it speaks to you.

🎶 Buy the handpan that makes your heart sing, and customize the scale to your own style.